71frameoff

going to start a 1971 coupe body work prep for paint by me. from the forum I gather that the best thing to do is to gelcoat the entire body after bodywork then prime and paint. one of Ecklers gelcoat warnings is not to apply over SMC. I have 2 repair panels on the car from a previous owner and I don't know what they are made of and I think 1971 they started using SMC. How can I identify SMC.

DUB

Grayish-white panel that has a marbleized look to it with some dark streaks running in it. IT will look completely different than the way the spare tire carrier looks on the inside of the tub.

DUB

71frameoff

thanks,
one part I just got from zip is a shiny black, so that isn't SMC?

DUB

Once again. As I wrote before.... If the fiberglass looks like the inside of your spare tire carrier tub....then it is NOT SMC ...beacsue the spare tire carriers are black fiberglass and toy can see the fibers of the fiberglass and they are in somewhat circular patterns.
If you are still concerned...post a photo of what you have.
DUB

zwede

Many repro panels are already gel-coated. "Shiny black" sounds like it might be.

71frameoff

thanks.

DUB

Is the panel shiny black on the outside and a rough texture on the inside...then this is a hand-laid fiberglass part and it is already gelcoated.

Why don't you post a photo of both sides so there is no misunderstanding...at at least where you got the part and the pat number.

DUB

71frameoff

DUB you are exactly right it is hand-laid fiberglass with a gel coat.

Thanks!

DUB

What panel is it and are you planning on using it or them if they are both hand-laid fiberglass parts????

DUB

71frameoff

one is 1/2 of the front fender below the factory seam and the other is the lower valance. both are shiny on the outside and have the glass fibers on the back side.

DUB

SO IF I read this correctly....you have the lower fender...BUT only half of it....correct????

Are you planning on sectioning in this half fender if that is what it is????

DUB

71frameoff

both pieces are glassed onto the body I was just asking on what type of gelcoat would work on the body. I was afraid that one of the repair pieces was SMC but you pointed out that they are not. so I guess when I am ready I can use what ever brand gelcoat I want. probably Evercoat polyester that requires VPA.

DUB

Best of luck to you

DUB